Why We Support Youth Sports (And Why You Should Too)

If you’ve driven through Clifton, Ashkum, or Chebanse in the fall, you might’ve seen kids running around in Central Stars gear, tossing footballs in the park, or gearing up for a game on the weekends. We’re proud supporters of this program, not just because our own kids are involved, but because of what it brings to our community.

As a local family who lives here, runs a business here, and is raising our kids here, youth sports matter to us in a big way. It goes beyond touchdowns and trophies. Supporting youth football means investing in the future of our towns and that’s something we can all get behind.

The Power of Youth Sports in Small Towns

Let’s talk about what programs like Central Stars do for our communities.

For starters, it gives kids something positive to do in a youth sports organization that fosters teamwork and growth. In a world of screens, short attention spans, and overstimulation, being on a team helps kids unplug and engage in something that teaches them focus, effort, and commitment. It gives them a reason to be outside, moving their bodies, and interacting with other kids face-to-face.

But it’s more than just burning energy. It’s about learning life skills that stick with them far beyond the football field:

• Teamwork: You can’t win a game alone. Learning to rely on teammates and trust others is a critical skill for both sports and life.

• Discipline: Practice schedules, drills, and playbooks help kids learn the value of showing up, even when it’s hard.

• Resilience: Losing a game is tough. But learning how to take a loss, learn from it, and bounce back? That’s character development 101.

• Confidence: Its essential for young athletes in a supportive sports program. Kids who participate in sports build confidence through accomplishment, whether it’s scoring a touchdown or just getting better every week.

These things are gold for kids, especially in small-town America where opportunities can be limited if programs like this don’t exist.

My Own Story: Learning Through the Game

I grew up playing football myself. The lessons I took from the game were some of the most valuable of my life. Sure, it was great to win, but the times I lost? Those taught me even more. How to look at what went wrong, how to get better, how to handle disappointment and keep moving forward.

It also taught me how to belong. I wasn’t the fastest, strongest, or best player—but I showed up, I worked hard, and I learned how to be a teammate. That sense of belonging is something every kid deserves to experience, especially in today’s world where it’s so easy to feel isolated.

Now, years later, my son is suiting up for the Central Stars flag football program, and I can’t tell you how proud I am to see the cycle continue.

Why We Sell Merch Instead of Just Fundraising

Now here’s where we do things a little differently. Some people question why we don’t support the team by just do a traditional fundraiser with candy bars or raffle tickets. For starters, apparel is what we do at Glowmark Designs, but the real answer is simple:

Merch helps build a brand.

When someone wears a Central Stars hoodie to the store or rocks a Stars hat at a local game, they’re not just supporting the team. They’re helping grow the visibility of the program. That name recognition is huge for community involvement, local sponsorships, and general awareness. It helps Central Stars stick in people’s minds, which in turn helps the program grow.

Plus, selling merch gives parents and supporters a tangible way to show their pride. Instead of giving $20 and forgetting about it, you get a tee or hoodie that lets everyone know you’re part of something awesome.

It’s also more sustainable. Every purchase helps fund the program directly, whether it’s buying new helmets, helping with equipment maintenance, or even covering insurance costs.

Small Donations Make a Big Difference

You might be surprised to know how impactful even a small amount of money can be when it comes to youth sports.

According to the Aspen Institute's Project Play, one in three children in the U.S. stops playing sports by age 11, often due to costs. But just $100 can fund a uniform, $500 might cover an entire season for one player, and a few thousand dollars can equip a whole age group with new gear.

In towns like Clifton, Ashkum, and Chebanse, we don’t need a million-dollar program. What we need are passionate volunteers, a few solid sponsors, and a supportive community. With that, we can keep the program alive and thriving.

Local Businesses, Here’s How You Can Help

If you’re a local business owner in Iroquois County, think of supporting youth football not as charity, but as an investment.

When you support Central Stars, you’re:

• Building relationships with families in your community

• Increasing your visibility through our merch, events, and online presence

• Contributing to something that builds stronger kids—who grow up to be stronger community members

They're always looking for sponsors to help with uniforms, equipment, and field upgrades. We also love partnering with businesses to offer co-branded merch or team gear.

If your company’s name ends up on a banner, or a hoodie that’s not just advertising. That’s community presence.

Let’s Grow This Together

We believe in Central Stars Youth Football because we believe in the kids who play. We believe in what it stands for, and we believe in what it can do for the future of Clifton, Ashkum, and Chebanse.

So next time you see a hat with a Stars patch, know that it’s more than just merch. It’s a badge of pride. It’s a small way to be part of something bigger. And if you’ve got a kid who wants to join or a few bucks to chip in, don’t wait.

Let’s show up. Let’s build something. Let’s support our kids.

Because when our kids win, we all win.